An explosion on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2019 at Cargill’s Dodge City beef packing plant has injured two employees and shuttered the facility for the remainder of the day. The plant has a slaughter capacity of 5,200 head per day.

Daniel Sullivan, Cargill’s media relations director, North America, Global Corporate Affairs, issued a statement confirming the event.
“A small stand-alone building at our protein facility in Dodge City, KS, experienced an explosion this morning,” Sullivan wrote. “Two employees are receiving medical treatment for burns, and we are investigating the cause of the accident. As an extra precaution, our production will be suspended today. We expect to be operational soon and will meet all our customer commitments.

To clarify the statement, Sullivan told Drovers that "some shifts have been suspended today while fabrication shifts remain on schedule." He emphasized that the plant is expected to be "fully operational soon," and Cargill would meet all of its commitments.

Sullivan also said, "We are grateful for the partnership of the local emergency medical response team. Our focus is on the safety of our employees and getting the best care for our colleagues.”

SOURCE: Drovers